Finishing principal photography just before the strike deadline, Director David Chrzanowski finds his footing in the fascinating true story “The Alibi,” premiering in 2024.
With production officially wrapped on the The Alibi, director David Chrzanowski’s autobiographical tale about his father’s unconventional family business smuggling cocaine possesses an all star cast. The film stars Brendan Fehr, Piper De Palma, and acting newcomer Jacob Childress who plays Alex as the lead in the film.
The main performer, Brendan Fehr who plays David’s father and cocaine runner Franco, is a Canadian film and television actor, perhaps best known for playing Michael Guerin in the WB television series 'Roswell', and for portraying lab tech Dan Cooper in CSI: Miami. Brendan also played Jared Booth in the Fox television series Bones. Other credits include, 'X-Men: First Class', 'Final Destination', and 'Brotherhood'. Piper Di Palma, who plays Jennifer the young and brash assistant to Franco, recently starred in her first feature 'Spiral Farm' released on Amazon, and has been seen in 'The Daphne Project', 'After School', and 'Ride or Die'.
Most notably, Jacob Childress, who portrays a 14-year-old David Chrzanowski named Alex, embodies the role with a deep commitment and confidence, carrying each scene with a grounded authenticity and realism. Audiences will be impressed and floored by Childress’s quick and clever dialogue with co-star Brendan Fehr. Some of the most memorable and powerful moments in The Alibi are the quiet ones- the father and son dynamic- expertly crafted by Chrzanowski.
Chrzanowski comments on the most pivotal moments of the film, “(Franco) He’s practically a superhero when he triumphantly walks through the entrance with the package. Franco (Alex’s father) couldn’t be prouder of Alex. He tells him all the fun they’ll have in Florida, the opportunities, the adventure, all while he dumps out the contents of the bag, some seven kilos of cocaine, onto the table. Alex takes off his shirt and Franco begins duct taping the kilos around Alex’s torso. They’re in for big things, the two of them. The sky’s the limit. And drugs secured, hidden under Alex’s oversized sweatshirt, they say their goodbyes to Schultz (the bartender). As Alex takes his father’s hand, it’s him and Pop against the world. Bolstered, they walk out of the dingy bar and into his future — squinting into the bright, light of day.”
Chrzanowski writes the film from the perspective of Alex (Childress) allowing the audience to witness the juxtaposing innocence between a father and son thats overshadowed by the looming reality of Franco’s cocaine dealings. The opposing tones create a narrative that is moving and powerful to witness.
Chrzanowski, an experienced director in stage and theatre approached his story with a profound attention to detail. Graduating in 1997 with B.A. in theater and later earning a Masters degree in acting in 2000, made the entire process seamless. Forming his production company False Dice Pictures in 2022 with partner Allison Sanchez, The Alibi is the their inaugural film.
The Alibi was filmed in Las Vegas, New Mexico which was most recently the production location of many other well-known movies and series’ such as Oscar-winning film, “No Country for Old Men” and the hit television series “Longmire.” Parts of production was shot around the historic Plaza Hotel creating the perfect backdrop for selected scenes. Amid the ongoing strikes in Los Angeles, the process of The Alibi was seamless to say the least; with local talent being utilized and production being facilitated expertly by 1st AD Heather Mingo.
Co-produced by Penalty, The Alibi, is a narrative that we have had the incredible opportunity to collaborate on with David Chrzanowski and his team. The film will make its festival run and premiere later in 2024.
Looking forward to seeing Alibi....